It seems well settled, however, that John Moore, the patentee, really located upon his purchase about 1725. This homestead stood in what has since been known as Washington Valley, from the fact that Washington once occupied the same dwelling for a time. The original house, and even the second one, which replaced it, have long since disappeared, but the remains of the old cellar were visible for many years afterward. This, then, may be regarded as the first point of settlement in the town of Highlands. The Moore descendants, though inclined toward loyalism, at the outbreak of the war, could not have been outspoken or turbulent in their opposition to the American cause, as their lands were not confiscated. They, however, soon fled to Nova Scotia, but afterward returned to the State of North Carolina, where some of them became prominent, one being elected Governor of the State; and Stephen Moore sold the West Point reservation to the Government, as already stated. A daughter of John Moore married Hugh McClellan about the time the war broke out. Although not in the army, as a soldier, McClellan seems to have fought bravely against the invaders on his own hook, as it were, for the records contain many instances of his personal prowess. He was employed in hauling stone for the erection of Fort Putnam, and on one occasion he crossed the river alone and brought powder for the Continental Army at West Point at the risk of his life or capture. James Denton, who came from Newburgh, seems to have settled at the Point some time afterward. He had married into the McClellan family and became active in pressing the claim against the Government for the title to the old homestead there by reason of possession. These descendants also claimed certain rights which came from the Moore family direct and were not reserved in the deed to the Government, although antedating that transaction, as they contended. Then, too, it may be added in their behalf, the suit for ejectment was terminated by a compromise, the widow of McClellan being paid a certain sum to surrender her claim. In the vicinity of Highland Falls Cornelius Swim seems to have been the pioneer settler. This family originally came from England about 1686 and settled on the east side of the Hudson opposite West Point, forming part of a colony there. They were offered an extensive tract of land there at that time for ten cents an acre. But not being possessed even of this modest amount of money, they were afterward obliged to leave when a more fortunate immigrant took the tract at fifteen cents per acre. The Swims, Faurots and Roses came to Highlands in 1725. Cornelius Swim had six sons and six daughters, most of whom settled in the vicinity. He was finally killed by a British scout for refusing to tell where certain army supplies were hidden.